Vince Zampella, the acclaimed co-creator of the ‘Call of Duty’ video game series, died in a car crash in California on Sunday. According to local broadcaster NBC4, the gaming legend was killed while driving his Ferrari on a scenic road located north of Los Angeles. Videos circulating on social media showed the vehicle veering off the roadway, striking a concrete barrier before catching fire.
“For unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and became fully engulfed,” the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said in a statement. The agency confirmed that both the driver and a passenger succumbed to their injuries.
Who was Vince Zampella?
Vince Zampella, one of the most influential figures in the world of gaming, was best known for co-creating the video game juggernaut “Call of Duty” in 2003. He also co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010 and Infinity Ward in 2002. His award-winning studio is behind multiple platforms such as “Titanfall,” “Apex Legends,” and the “Star Wars Jedi” games. Respawn was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2017.
Zampella started as a designer on shooter games in the 1990s. At EA, he took charge of revitalizing the “Battlefield” franchise, becoming one of the world’s most influential figures in modern first-person shooter games.
Electronic Arts, Respawn mourn the gamer’s death
“This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work,” Electronic Arts said in a statement, adding that his influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. “He helped shape modern interactive entertainment,” the company added.
In an X post on the Battlefield’s account, Respawn Entertainment praised Zampella “for how he showed up every day, trusting his teams, encouraging bold ideas, and believing in Battlefield and the people building it.”
